I’m in the field I’m in because I love sports, of course.
They’re uplifting and it’s fun to write about positive moments and the kind of moments that shape lives, especially young ones at the high school level.
So, outside of academic achievements, community involvement or other classroom accomplishments, I never like to see the athletes, coaches or teams end up on the news side of things.
Sometimes, it’s unavoidable in the most tragic of situations. And over my near 15 years here, there have been those moments. It’s one of my biggest fears in this job, with all the relationships and friendships built over the years.
I can still remember hearing about the horrific Grayling golf team crash back in 2013 and the impact that had.
So, my heart sunk when I was asked early Monday morning if I’d heard the news regarding the Charlevoix boys golf team and head coach Doug Drenth.
I had just days prior looked over results from one of their latest rounds and hadn’t heard from Doug, as they were only just getting their 2025 season started.
My fear was a reality, the Charlevoix boys golf team would be ending up in a tragic news piece.
While I was relieved to learn everyone came away from the crash, it’s only a small comfort. A little more than a day in, it’s weighed heavy on my mind.
I know quite a few of the Rayder players on the team and have written about them frequently in other sports. I also know their parents and have interacted with them.
I know Doug quite well, having worked with him in cross country, high school golf and youth golf over the last decade.
Speaking of positivity, you’re not going to find someone that’s more positive than Doug. He’s led the cross country program since the 2015-16 season and took over varsity golf in 2019.
Whether it’s been phone calls or texts, Doug’s always been there providing me with what I need and they’ve been calls I know I’ll get a spirited and excited Doug on the other end of. He’s just so passionate to talk about the kids.
I’ve talked with Doug on the way home from golf matches multiple times, the kids as well for school records, regional qualifying or whatever the accomplishment was.
I wish I could talk to Doug now, here the positivity in his voice about how, as tragic event as this was and is, they’re going to come back from it strong. Not just from a golf standpoint, but mentally and physically.
And I know these Rayders will.
I don’t yet know the extent of all of the injuries and I know Doug himself has a road ahead to recovery, but I know the kind of kids they are and mindset they have.
They’ve got a community behind them and a great support staff and group of administrators at Charlevoix. And they’ve of course got a coach that’s instilled the kind of character and drive to overcome adverse moments.
I’m thinking of each and every kid on that team, including the ones that weren’t on that van.
There’s not a lot I can do from the keyboard for now but let you know that.
But, when things do return to a bit of normalcy, I can’t wait to tell the uplifting stories of those moments. Maybe it’s just swinging a club again, walking the course with teammates, dribbling a basketball or swinging a bat.
Things that seemed little before will be giant steps ahead and I hope to be there for them.
Until then, #Rayderstrong. We’re all thinking of you.
Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
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